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With just five weeks to the election, Republican Charles D. Baker has pulled even with Governor Deval Patrick in the gubernatorial race, according to a new Boston Globe poll.(By Frank Phillips and Michael Levenson, Globe Staff)

On Thursday, the Safe Driving Act takes effect, forbidding texting while driving. Sixteen- and 17-year-old motorists will not be allowed to use a cellphone in any manner while at the wheel, unless it is to dial 911.(By Eric Moskowitz, Globe Staff)